As the countdown to the 2027 General Election gathers momentum, the race to succeed Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o has shifted into high gear. Political heavyweights are already traversing the county, building alliances, testing the waters and positioning themselves for what is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested gubernatorial battles in Kisumu’s history.
Unlike previous elections where the influence of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga often settled political contests long before the ballot, the upcoming race presents a new and uncertain political landscape. For the first time in decades, Kisumu voters may be called upon to make a choice without a singular political kingmaker guiding the process.
Six prominent figures have already declared or signaled their intentions to contest the seat. They include Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda, Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron, Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu and former Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura.
Yet beyond the individual candidates lies a complex political equation. The eventual winner will emerge from a matrix influenced by ODM’s dominance, clan dynamics, campaign strategies, financial muscle, grassroots mobilization, and the strategic selection of a running mate.
ODM remains the biggest political force in Kisumu and the wider Nyanza region. Securing the party ticket could prove to be half the battle won. However, the party’s nomination process may become a contest in itself. Any perception of unfairness or manipulation could trigger defections and independent candidacies that may alter the political landscape.
Clan considerations are also likely to play a decisive role. Kisumu’s major clans; Kano, Nyakach, Kisumo, Seme and Kajulu, continue to exert considerable influence on local politics. The county’s most populous constituency, Kisumu Central, remains cosmopolitan, but clan affiliations still shape voting patterns and political calculations. Consequently, the choice of deputy governor is expected to be as important as the choice of governor.
Among the front-runners is Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda. The Senior Counsel enters the race with a formidable professional profile and considerable political visibility. Having built a reputation as one of Kenya’s most accomplished lawyers, Ojienda has spent the last several years expanding his political footprint across the county through fundraisers, community engagements and church functions. While his earlier association with President William Ruto generated skepticism among some ODM supporters, the evolving political landscape under the broad-based arrangement has softened some of that criticism. His challenge will be convincing voters that his senatorial record warrants promotion to the county’s top office.
Joshua Oron, the youthful Kisumu Central MP, has emerged as another formidable contender. His stewardship of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund has earned him praise from supporters who cite fiscal discipline and project implementation. Oron also enjoys growing support among the business community and has openly courted backing from members of the populous Kano clan. His strategy appears to blend development credentials with clan arithmetic, a combination that could prove politically potent.
Former Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura brings experience, networks and financial resources into the contest. Having served as a Chief Administrative Secretary and currently working within the Office of the Deputy President, Obura remains one of the most politically connected aspirants. His decision to pursue the seat as an independent candidate sets him apart from rivals chasing the ODM ticket. However, his political path is complicated by questions surrounding his identity and roots, with critics branding him an outsider while supporters portray him as a seasoned son of the soil returning home. His presence could significantly split support within the Kano voting bloc.
Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor cannot be discounted. A seasoned legislator and lawyer, Aduma built his political career as one of Raila Odinga’s trusted allies. Though his gubernatorial campaign appears less visible today than it was months ago, he remains a respected grassroots mobilizer with a loyal support base. However, sharing the same clan background as Ojienda may force the two leaders into direct competition for the same political constituency.
Rosa Buyu adds a gender dimension to the race. The Kisumu West MP and former Woman Representative is positioning herself as a reform-minded leader with extensive public service experience. Her role in the constitutional review process and advocacy for the creation of Seme Constituency remain part of her political legacy. As the only prominent aspirant from the Kisumo clan, she enjoys a unique political advantage. Her close working relationship with ODM leadership, including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, could also strengthen her standing within party structures.
Ruth Odinga remains one of the most recognizable political figures in Kisumu. A former deputy governor and the current Woman Representative, she carries the weight of a powerful political name and decades of public service. Yet her campaign has so far lacked the visibility and momentum displayed by some of her competitors. While her supporters believe the Odinga legacy remains a formidable political asset, she will need to translate that goodwill into a visible grassroots campaign if she hopes to remain competitive.
Ultimately, the Kisumu gubernatorial race is no longer simply about personalities. It is a contest between political experience and youthful energy, between clan arithmetic and county-wide appeal, between party loyalty and independent ambition.
As 2027 draws closer, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: the battle for Kisumu will not be won by slogans alone. It will be decided by whoever best understands and navigates the intricate political matrix that defines the county’s evolving electoral landscape.
The succession race has begun. The chessboard is set. The only remaining question is who will make the winning move.
